Babies, Bullets, and Bee Stings Memories of a Missionary Midwife

by Hannah McDowell

In this fast-paced account of a farm-girl from a preacher’s home who develops into a medical missionary, the reader is treated to a first-person account of what life is like on various mission fields in Central America. Her story spans baby deliveries by flashlight to veterinary-level treatment of injured horses—while the town’s folk watch in awe. Her experiences reveal a brave mother and wife whose singular purpose in life is to share the Gospel with as many as possible. After graduating from a prestigious medical college, Hannah turned away from an incredibly large salary offer as a certified nurse-midwife—only to practice medical nursing on dirt floors and primitive clinics. This volume takes the reader to the front lines of missionary life and service, and reveals to the rest of us what it means to serve God in other lands. Includes 16 pages of colored photos.

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Clara K Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book...I got a little bogged down toward the middle, but still a good book. If you want to know exactly what being a missionary is, read this story. I loved her love and dedication to the people and her stories were touching, horrifying, and she has a way of using humor as she tells her stories. Recommend this book...you will be inspired at her love and dedication to God, family and her missionary work.

[Hannah Avery]

I enjoyed her interesting medical stories!!!

[Janet Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book! I learned so very much & cannot believe the sacrifices Hannah & her family made to help people who have nothing. Her committment to her profession & God is amazing.

[Pianosue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story and is a recollections of a Missionary Nurse. Each chapter is generally a story of some of her encounters while serving as a Missionary Nurse/Midwife in Costa Rica and Nicaraugua. It's an interesting book with some cute stories and some horrifying stories of life in the third world countries. She also has a chapter at the end for those who may be considering going into missionary work. A good read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I have always enjoyed reading Hannah's articles in Missions Newsletters and some of them are included in this book. Once you start reading it is hard to put it down. Many of the stories make you laugh and some will make you cry. When I saw that Hannah was writing this book, I immediately knew I wanted to have it. I asked for and recieved it for Christmas.

[Sara-Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, touching account of a nurse who loved a people enough to pour her life's work into them.